for he is rude
and scornful to them."

"I can understand that," said the professor. "Go on."

"These other chiefs hate our Emir for his power and strength, and would
be glad to drive him back into his own country, and he knows it. But at
Khartoum I hear that he has greater enemies. The Khalifa and one of his
generals both dislike him and fear that he is trying to become a greater
ruler than they; and knowing this he would not send you with a part of
his own guard, neither would the Khalifa let him do this; but I will see
him to-morrow, Excellencies, and tell him your wishes. If he gives you
his leave to go he will send messengers to the Khalifa, asking him to
receive the great Hakim and send guards to fetch you. But I fear. He
will think that you will never return. Shall I go to him now?"

"No," said the doctor; "wait till the morning, and do your best, for I
feel that we may do more good at Khartoum. We will return if we find no
better fortune than here."

"It is good, great Hakim," said the old man; "thy servant is always
ready to obey."

That day passed quietly on, with the friends eagerly discussing their
plans of action regarding the proposed change, Frank being the most
hopeful and displaying intense eagerness.

"Ibrahim is a fatalist," he said. "He has taken it into his head that
we shall find Harry here, but I feel convinced now that he is a prisoner
in Khartoum or the neighbourhood, and I do not think, after all we have
done, that the Emir will refuse us."

"I don't know," said the professor dubiously.

"Oh, don't, don't you take old Ibrahim's views, Landon," cried Frank.
"I doubt whether there is so much jealousy amongst men who are bound
together for one special object. There is a little, no doubt. Look
here, let's ask the Emir and his son--or his son alone--to take us there
himself. They may be glad to go, as they seem so proud of Morris and
all his cures. For my part, I think he will."

"And I believe Ibrahim," said the doctor gravely. "If it is as he
thinks, our Emir would not trust himself in Khartoum without all his
following, and--"

"What's the matter?" cried the professor sharply, for just then their
head guard rushed to the door, sword in hand, followed by three of his
men armed with spears, while for the moment it struck Frank that the
present he had received was about to prove useful, and he took a step
towards his room where it was hanging in its sheath against the wall.